Founding the Nation

Constitutional Convention We are a young nation with new-found freedom and independence from Great Britain What do we do next? How are we going to survive and thrive? Who’s going to be in charge?

Constitutional Convention May 1787, to address weaknesses in the Articles of the Confederation James Madison: “Father of the Constitution” Thought federal government was too weak States put too much power in the hands of the people Only delegate to show up with a plan!!

Virginia Plan Powerful central government Bi-cameral, based on population Power to appoint executive and judicial branches and veto state law

Virginia Plan Immediately opposed by smaller states Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts contained 50% of the U.S. population “If adopted, just four states could dominate legislation and ignore the rest”

New Jersey Plan Unicameral, equal representation Great power to Congress, elect executive council Large states argued why should Delaware (59,000) have equal power to Virginia (748,000)

New Jersey Plan

Question…. With a partner… If you were a delegate at the convention, which of these two plans would you vote for? What factors determined your decision? What issues do you foresee with using your plan? Do you have a better proposal for the convention?

Connecticut Plan Bicameral Congress Lower house – population House of Representatives Directly elected by voters, sole right to initiate revenue bills; 2-year terms Upper House – equal The Senate 2 Senators to serve 6-year terms

“Great Compromise”

Powers of Congress Tax Coin and borrow money, issue paper money Could NOT favor one state over another Could NOT impose export duties Amendments had to be ¾ of the states

BILL OF RIGHTS Use the textbook (pp. 57, 67) to complete the Bill of Rights chart In the LEFT column – write the amendment in your own words In the RIGHT column – draw a picture to represent that amendment and the right(s) it protects ON THE BACK Write a brief paragraph explaining which ONE of the first 10 Amendments you believe is the most important and why? Which of the 10 do you think is no longer necessary? Why not?